Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan received a grand welcome in Patna on Tuesday after returning from India’s historic win campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Kishan arrived at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, where he was warmly received by Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, who congratulated the entire Indian cricket team for the historic triumph.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Kishan described the World Cup victory as a proud moment for the entire nation and expressed hope that the team would continue delivering strong performances in the future.
“Our team won, and that is a very good thing not just for us but for the whole nation. We hope to continue playing like this and keep winning,” he said.
The wicketkeeper-batter also encouraged young cricketers from Bihar and neighbouring regions, emphasising that hard work remains the key to success.
“No matter where you are from, if you work hard, you can progress. I always try to inspire children even at the district level,” he added.
Kishan enjoyed an impressive tournament, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer with 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate of over 193, including three half-centuries. He also scored a crucial fifty in the final and earned Player of the Match awards against Namibia and Pakistan.
His return to the national team came after a remarkable domestic season. Before the World Cup, Kishan led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings, including two centuries and two fifties.
Reflecting on his comeback, Kishan said he hopes his journey will motivate young players across the country.
“It feels great because the better I perform, the more motivation it gives to young kids who want to grow. This shows that with hard work, you can succeed from anywhere,” he said.
When asked about the political controversy surrounding Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Jay Shah reportedly taking the trophy to a temple after the victory, a move criticised by former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad, Kishan chose not to comment.
“We won such a good World Cup, so you should ask a good question related to that. This is not a question at all,” he said.
Kishan’s return has sparked excitement among fans in Bihar, who celebrated the success of the young cricketer who has risen from the state to shine on the global stage.